The War On Islam In America

Let me state first of all, I am an unapologetic Christian, holding firm to what I believe to be the truths of the Bible and the concept that I believe, Jesus meant exactly what he said when he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” I also believe the Bible is correct when it says, “There is no other name under Heaven which any of us can be saved other than the name of Jesus.”  While I have issues with Radical Islam, I have strong disagreeing points of view from a religious perspective with any system of faith that prescribes to salvation offered by anyone other than Jesus. I also have serious issues with the way many who profess their faith as following Jesus who also are doing and saying the things they are regarding Muslim people.

I think it a serious mistake to not draw differences between Radical Islam and Moderate Islam in the same way I think it a serious mistake to compare all Christians to Westboro Baptist Church. It is dangerous to paint all people of faith under a single color, when in reality, there is a difference. When we paint others with a broad brush, we unfortunately include people under that color that does not fit there. I am no more a part of the same faith system of Westboro Baptist Church or the KKK than many Muslims are a part of Radical Islam. We would all serve ourselves, and our neighbors well to remember that reality.

A number of years ago I served as a volunteer pastor in the areas of Evangelism and Outreach at what was then named Westport Mennonite Brethren Church. That church, near Tulsa Oklahoma between Collinsville and Owasso sat on a corner called German Corner. It was so named because prior to World War 2 many who were a part of that church were immigrants from Russia and Germany.  During the outbreak of World War 2 many at the church still spoke German and if not mistaken, the church still had German speaking services because it was the native tongue of many at the church. You can imagine the attitudes of many within the community with the outbreak of World War 2.

Many of those in the community just like many other German Americans were dangerous to many people. These German immigrants were people who had left the persecution in Germany, to find freedom in America, they were a peace loving people, opposed to war but also understanding of the need for actions to stop Hitler.  Many Mennonites were put in internment camps in America, just as were many Japanese due to a fear of association with their land of origin. This last year, I drove by one of those internment camps and I was reminded of a story, which I heard first hand which brought tears to my eyes, as well as the person telling the story, some 45 or 50 years later.

While at Westport I also worked with our middle school youth. I had a concern that many Mennonite Brethren people had forgotten their history, a sad commentary especially since many of those experiencing and living through that history of coming to America were still alive. There was one such lady who was a part of the church that I wanted to share her story. I will never forget that experience.

This lady was in her 80’s and she was one of those who came to America with her parents to experience freedom. I will never forget her telling this story and her memories of being a young girl during World War 2. While it was close to 50 years later she would still cry telling of how she was treated during this time. She was bullied at school, had her hair pulled, called a Nazi and on and on. She would be beaten up, over and over again, simply because she was from Germany. She was guilty by association because she spoke German and was from Germany. She now understood more than most the freedoms afforded those who came to America, she understood what it felt like to have that dream and understanding ripped out from under her. As she told her story, I and others, wept, the hurt had lasted so long and what had been done to her was so wrong. The concerns many had about her and her family, at least to me, seemed similar to the way many are now treating many Muslim people.

I wonder sometimes about if we really think about the faith many who say they are Christian, represent. How do others see or respond to our faith by our words and actions?  I also think about how we proclaim the beautiful aspects of America while in reality, some promote a concept that is nothing like America. Now don’t take me wrong, I understand an appropriate vetting process, I understand the need to seek and insure safety as much as possible but as I look at comments on social media I am perplexed; How can we promote the respect for our soldiers who serve on the battlefield, yet at the same time, ridicule and belittle a United States Marine or others who served in our armed services who happen to be Muslim? 

Unfortunately, I believe many are allowing Radical Islam to win. We cower in fear and the way many show that fear is the way they group a whole group of people into the same category as the radicals. When the first response is to group all people into a radical group, we in many ways become no better than the people we throw under the umbrellas we do. We end up having a form of hatred in how we react. While we may try to mask it as caution, concern, etc.…, there is no doubt, there is for many a hatred that is certainly unchristian, and I challenge, for a nation of immigrants who says it supports the concepts of “The American Dream,” unfortunately rips the head off of the Statue of Liberty and all she stands for.

I challenge for Christians, put on the armor of God and display the attitude of love for all people that Christ commands us to put on. Sometimes that battle is won with love, and believe me, it can be a real battle to love even our enemies. Our responsibility is to mirror Jesus, not some political slant. I would say to those Americans who are so quick to hate, to reflect on our history as a nation and the mistakes we have made as a nation. Let’s learn from those mistakes and do all we can to not repeat them.  Now again, as a point of clarification, I am not supporting Radical Islam, I believe that it is a nations responsibility to do all it can to destroy all such forms of terror, there is in fact, no reasoning with some people and it is time we quit trying to do so. There really is very little reasoning with people who want to kill and destroy you, it is best of course if we try to prevent from getting to that point but that for a current group of people is too late, maybe not for others, but for some, yes, it is too late. Now understand we have to be careful to not throw all Muslims under the same umbrella. It is a sad day in America, I still believe we live in a great nation, unfortunately, the actions of hatred by some tear down brick by brick much of what has made our nation great.  May we rebuild her as opposed to tear her down. God help us all.  

 The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


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The Christmas Jerk!

 It was a cold morning in Wichita Kansas, but that was typical for Friday November 29th.  The stores were jam packed with shoppers taking advantage of  the Black Friday Sales, the sporting goods stores were no exception. Charley wasn't in the best of moods, this was something his wife used to do, he didn't like crowds, didn't like having to stand in lines and as of late, didn't care much for holidays either. He wasn't unusual in those regards because the holidays, starting with Thanksgiving were hard on a lot of families. It was a season of depression for some and the lack of patience had come about and learned in a fast food society where most everyone was used to getting what they wanted when they wanted.

While the lines and crowds at Parsons Sporting Goods were not nearly as bad as the big box stores like Wal-Mart or Best Buy is was still substantially worse than any other time of the year. Lines were at least 5 customers deep on each of the stores 6 registers and although the store had brought in extra help for the holidays there were short tempers from some customers not getting the help finding things when they needed. Most of the customer service reps were at the end of the line on their nerves from trying to be patient with the customers. After looking through the store longer than he expected for a specific soccer related item Charley finally decided to hunt down a salesperson on the floor.

While the section for soccer wasn't the largest display in the store, it was still busy as soccer was a popular sport in Wichita.  Charlie, in his early sixties, was a little older than most in that department but he was persistent, coming off at times as a jerk. By the time he finally got a clerks attention, one who had been talking to another customer, he didn't come of as just a jerk, he was brash and direct. "Excuse me Miss, I've been in this store for 45 minutes now when can I get some help?"   

Sandra was a young woman who had been raised in a close nit family, she had learned manners but wasn't quite so used to such a direct approach from a customer, especially when she was helping another customer, a young mother looking for some Christmas deals.  "Excuse me sir, I am just about through, if you can wait another couple of minutes I'll be glad to help you." Sandra was shocked at Charlie's response yet kind in her tone.

"I've been waiting for 45 damned minutes lady, how much more to I have to wait."

"I'm sorry sir that you've waited that long I'll be right with you as soon as I am done with this customer,"

Charlie's response was short and to the point, "Dammit!"

Sandra was as she said, helping Charlie within a few moments after helping the young mother. "I'm sorry for your wait sir, but how can I help you?" Sandra for her young 21 years was as polite as anyone could be.

"Well I'm glad someone is sorry, I have things to do."

"Like I said sir, I am sorry but how can I help you?"

"I am looking for anything from the old Wichita Wings, what do you have!" It wasn't as if Charlie
was asking, he was telling Sandra to show him some products, even though the Wings had not been in Wichita since folding in 1992, it was as if Charlie expected to find something from the old franchise.

"I'm sorry sir, we don't have any thing from the old Wings." Sandra responded with kindness. "I don't even think we have anything from the refurbished Wings that was in town the last 2 years before going under."

"Shit!" Charlie responded, "that team left a lifetime mark on this city, what is the hell is it with not providing or having a part of history available!"

"I'm sorry sir, we just don't carry anything like that."

Charlie was starting to turn red from anger now, the pitch of his voice was changing, he was tired of waiting, tired of the crowds, tired of not getting the help he wanted, tired of everything, while gritting his teeth, he stated, "Can you get me your manager please?"

"I can get him sir, but it could take a little while, he is really busy right now with keeping the stock room going with bringing out the needed stock."

"That's what I would expect, a day you should have known that you needed to stay on top of things but instead taking advantage of customers and making sure that all your sales take place. It's all about making a dollar." What Sandra didn't know was Charlie had already been to three sporting goods stores on this crazy hectic morning.  Parsons Sporting Goods was the last hope. 

"I'll be glad to the stock room sir and ask our manager for you, but I can't guarantee anything as to having what you want." Sandra was still a professional, still trying to provide good service. Of course from the exchange up to this point she expected to have her head bitten off, she wasn't far off in her expectation.

"Fine, go check with your damn manager, I've waited this long, if you going speeds up the process I might get home in time for church on Sunday!"

Sandra still polite responded, "Yes sir, I'll be as quick as possible." Ignoring a couple of other customers, she left immediately for the stock room.  It wasn't long before she returned to find Charlie still standing there, his arms crossed and he was staring off  into space with an obvious lack of patience.

"Sir, I spoke to our manager and he stated that we haven't carried any Wings stock for some time but he had a suggestion if you are willing to entertain it."

Charlie still miffed, but somewhat responsive, responded in a blunt way, "Okay what is it, what can you do, what's your suggestion."

"Well sir," Sandra still trying to be polite and calm, stated, "Well sir our manager suggested that while we haven't had any Wings items for some time, we have a new team in town, The B-52's, they have pretty much the same color scheme and we have a pretty good selection of their merchandise. They are a professional team and our manager also suggested a friend of his who has a lot of old Wings merchandise that may be able to help you out, but you will have to call him, but my manager did give me his phone number and contact information."

What happened next surprised Sandra, she didn't know what to think but Charlie was tearing up.  "If you could show me the items please from the new team and get me the name of the person who may have some old Wings merchandise I would appreciate it."

Sandra, still staying professional and calm, "let me walk you over and show you some of the merchandise, and here is the contact information of my managers friend who has the old Wings merchandise."

Charlie looked down at her hand as she handed him the information, he wasn't tearing up now, he was starting to cry, his eyes were red and he kept taking his gloved hand trying to dab the tears as they started to freely fell. "Thank you miss, you have no idea what this is going to mean to me."

Sandra, confused and touched, stated, "Sir that is no problem." Showing a real measure of concern she asked as well, "Are you okay, is there anything I can do?"

"No young lady, you have done quite enough, you don't understand likely and I know I have been an ass. You see my wife and I were huge supporters for the Wings back in the day.  My wife and son were killed in a car accident last year during the Holidays. All I have left is my grandson. Alex will be 10 in January. It was my son's 10th birthday when I purchased him a Wings soccer ball and took him to see his first pro soccer game at the Kansas Coliseum. We saw the Wings play the St. Louis Steamers. It was a heck of a game and my son became a fan for life. I miss him and my wife so much and wanted so much to give my grandson something for Christmas that would help with the loss of his father and grandmother."

Sandra was starting to tear up now, "Sir, I am so sorry, I would have never known, I am so sorry."

"Oh there is nothing to be sorry about young lady, you have gone out of your way, been kind and I so much appreciate it. I think it may be time to move on and I don't think the specific Wings material is necessary for my grandson, the B-52's will be enough to rekindle the spirit, that is what is important, not so much the team. It is the sharing of time together, the love, the memories. I think the B-52's is enough for my grandson, I may even have to take him to a game, but I appreciate the information about the managers friend, it will bring back memories for me while I start new ones with my Grandson, I think his dad and grandma would understand and like that."

"Sure no problem sir, I can do that, let's go look at some of that B-52's merchandise now."

Sandra learned something that day, she realized it as she saw a different man walk out of the store than she had encountered some 30 minutes earlier. She learned it wasn't so much about customer service, she had already been practicing those things, but she learned to always be nice to the customer, one never knew what they were feeling or had experienced. She knew at that moment, there were sometimes good reasons for people to have difficulty during the holidays, it was also a time of year that a lot of people went through extreme and clinical depression. Sandra realized the people mattered, she realized she could do her part by being a  more understanding person. It was after all the time of year that celebrated the birth of the one called The Prince of Peace, it was a time where people came together to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. With so many hurting people, Sandra decided, she would smile more and in her own way, by helping others, experience a different concept of the holidays she hadn't thought of before, loving others unconditionally in the same way God had loved her and others on this planet; unconditionally.

Mark 12:28-34 - 28 One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees
were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”

29 Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. 30 You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ 31 The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”

32 The man replied, “Teacher, you are certainly right to say there is only one God. 33 It is also true that we must love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and that we must love others as much as we love ourselves. These commandments are more important than all the sacrifices and offerings that we could possibly make.”

34 When Jesus saw that the man had given a sensible answer, he told him, “You are not far from God’s kingdom.” After this, no one dared ask Jesus any more questions.

The following video is also based on a real event that happened in Newton Kansas, just to the north of Wichita.  The themes are the same, think about it, to see the video just click on it, if the video doesn't appear, then click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fKI50MhzVM

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by

the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to

give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on

the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita

which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount

you can contribute to help with this ministry. 

Believe me there is much more going on than most realize.  I will also provide information to verify the

ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material

from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to

the original site with the material is provided.

Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid

Click here to visit the web page The Virtual Pew 

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor

The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards

Click to subscribe to my blog

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the

archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone

Kid at mike@furches.orgYou

can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs

or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and

by all means, spread the word.Here

is our contact information

The Virtual Pew

1249 N. St. Francis

Wichita Kansas, 67214

Email: mike@furches.org

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual

Pew

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